Roscoe Smith Latest to Seek Transfer from UConn

Roscoe Smith is the latest to join the mass exodus from
the UConn men’s basketball program.

As first reported by CBSsports.com, Smith, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, has requested and received
his release from his scholarship. Smith averaged 4.4 points 3.4 rebounds per
game, down from his numbers as a freshman (6.3, 5.2, respectively). His minutes
were down early in the season but improved play got him significant run as the
season progressed. Smith hit double figures in three straight games (Syracuse,
Providence, Pittsburgh) at one point in February.

Smith becomes the latest to leave the UConn program,
which as of now is banned from postseason play next year. Alex Oriakhi has transferred
to Missouri, Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond have entered the NBA draft and
Michael Bradley has also received a release from his scholarship.

The Huskies have added Holy Cross transfer R.J. Evans,
but it’s apparent that the postseason ban and – perhaps more importantly – Jim Calhoun’s
uncertain future is causing players to leave the program while also keeping
recruits away. UConn has one signee, New York City’s Omar Calhoun, slated to
join the program next season.

Of course, Smith will almost certainly have to sit out next season as a transfer, anyway. It's possible that the school to which he transfers could apply for a waiver that allows him to play immediately, since UConn is (or almost certainly will be) banned from the postseason. But it would seem highly unlikely that Smith would be granted that waiver.

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About Me

Started as UConn men's basketball beat writer for the New Haven Register in August, 2007. Before that, was traveling Boston Red Sox beat writer from 2004-06 for the Journal Register Co. (which included the Register).